decided i want to switch my rear cog to 17t. made a few calls to LBS's and have the option of getting Surly or All City as the higher end options. can get cheaper $10 cogs but my current one is a cheap stamped cog already and it's got a loud 'ratchety' sound. it doesnt look solid... it has a chrome finish that looks ghetto

surly is $27, all city is $45. Is there a big difference between these two brands' cogs to justify $18 premium?

Also, for lock rings, couldnt find dura ace. Have the option of getting a surly for $18 or reuse a formula lock ring. some LBS's offer generic ones between $6-12. thanks in advance

$45 for an All City cog is a total ripoff. I'd avoid Surly; I've had bad luck with them. You should mail order your cog and lockring from RG >>> components - cogs | lockrings | Retrogression

I get EAI cogs from RG. $28

+1 for retrogression. great service from a small shop owned and run by real people.

If LBSs want to get all pissy about losing business to the interwebs, they should be a bit more realistic on their pricing.

I've used AllCity standard and stainless cogs, Dura Ace cogs and Surly cogs. There is really no differences between them besides bragging rights I guess and for lockrings I prefer Surly. $45 for an AllCity cog is definitely a rip off.

You can't go wrong with EAI or soma cogs.

Dura ace is the golden standard of lockrings.

I have an All-City stainless cog that I really like, but I didn't pay anywhere near $45 for it

I have a Surly 18t and a DA 16t and notice no difference in smoothness of drivetrain. I actually really like the look of the Surlys too, they're decent cogs for the price.

what happened?
always seems like one of the best choices for a cog....never heard anything bad about them....

Badly machined such that tooth spacing was off and the chain would grind badly. A comparison with another cog with the same number of teeth showed that the tooth circle diameter was off.

Surly cogs are just Andel cogs rebadged as far as I know.

I forgot to mention I'm in canada... Where $400 bikes sell for $650
I'll check out RG if they can ship up north without breaking the bank

Thanks all for your feedback

Surly cogs are nice man, I've had no trouble with my 16 tooth one. I use a surly cog and a $8 kmc chain and my bikes nice and quiet.

My vote is Surly as well. Using their cogs now on both bikes and I've had no issues.

I must have lucked out badly, my Surly cog has always run smooth, silent, round and has worn very well thank you very much. I've often wondered how much my life would have been enriched if I'd had one of the crap Surly cogs that everyone talks about.

sorry to bring this up again. another shop is offering a Halo track cog. are they any good? cant seem to find much on their track cogs but did see some halo hubs being used with good results.

EAI, I'm sure someone will get you one to Canada

If it's all you can get, it's good enough.
If it's all you can afford, it's good enough.
Truth be known, it's probably good enough anyway. People worry too much.